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Call it a sign of the times when movies about talking Chihuahuas rule at the box office, displacing anything out there that might be war-related.
But just as Walt Disney gave the country escapism back in the Great Depression via "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937), "Fantasia" (1940) and hundreds of animated shorts, his studio again is giving families a place to escape.
Those who don't believe that history repeats itself may consider themselves among those who still believe the Earth is flat. Disney's hit feature "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" has remained solid after three weeks, knocking over more serious fare such as Oliver Stone's "W." and Ridley Scott's "Body of Lies." The other huge hit for Disney was this year's "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds," which had the best-ever box-office premiere for a concert film, eclipsing the R-rated "The Original Kings of Comedy" (2000).
Next month, you can see Disney's family movie "Bolt" (starring the voices of John Travolta and Susie Essman of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"), and "Bedtime Stories" (starring Adam Sandler and Keri Russell) in December. Let's face it, folks: Just as in comedy, people would rather be cheered up then reminded of what is going on in the world sometimes.
But just as Walt Disney gave the country escapism back in the Great Depression via "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937), "Fantasia" (1940) and hundreds of animated shorts, his studio again is giving families a place to escape.
Those who don't believe that history repeats itself may consider themselves among those who still believe the Earth is flat. Disney's hit feature "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" has remained solid after three weeks, knocking over more serious fare such as Oliver Stone's "W." and Ridley Scott's "Body of Lies." The other huge hit for Disney was this year's "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds," which had the best-ever box-office premiere for a concert film, eclipsing the R-rated "The Original Kings of Comedy" (2000).
Next month, you can see Disney's family movie "Bolt" (starring the voices of John Travolta and Susie Essman of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"), and "Bedtime Stories" (starring Adam Sandler and Keri Russell) in December. Let's face it, folks: Just as in comedy, people would rather be cheered up then reminded of what is going on in the world sometimes.
With two monster hits as predecessors, "High School Musical 3" makes the inevitable transition from the Disney Channel onto the big screen, which makes sense. The enormous success of the first two, along with other big-screen mu sicals ("Hairspray" and "Mam ma Mia") made "HSM3" a no-brainer, since it already has a loyal built-in audience.
Still, you almost can't wait until Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) finally are out of high school, to wrap the series up. Knowing Disney, I'm sure there will be more spinoffs about Gabriella's freshman year at Stanford or something to that effect.
Oh, the decisions that face our talented singer-dancers can be daunting: Troy does have his own dreams, but if he goes with his basketball scholarship, it will take him out of state as opposed to attending his dad's (actor Bart Johnson) alma mater close to home.
Meanwhile, Gabriella is finishing school early, leaving Troy behind, so what will happen when they're separated? What usually happens when you're in your last last year of high school? You want to get out fast and take on the world!
OK, maybe not so much in this movie, but they do express themselves, breaking out into song even while shooting hoops!
Still, you almost can't wait until Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) finally are out of high school, to wrap the series up. Knowing Disney, I'm sure there will be more spinoffs about Gabriella's freshman year at Stanford or something to that effect.
Oh, the decisions that face our talented singer-dancers can be daunting: Troy does have his own dreams, but if he goes with his basketball scholarship, it will take him out of state as opposed to attending his dad's (actor Bart Johnson) alma mater close to home.
Meanwhile, Gabriella is finishing school early, leaving Troy behind, so what will happen when they're separated? What usually happens when you're in your last last year of high school? You want to get out fast and take on the world!
OK, maybe not so much in this movie, but they do express themselves, breaking out into song even while shooting hoops!
- Howie Nave is host of The Improv comedy club inside Harveys and reviews films for seven radio stations in Northern California and Nevada. He hosts "Howie's Morning Rush" on Tahoe's KRLT radio, and you can see his film reviews on "Howie's Late Night Rush" Monday through Friday at midnight on RSN. For past reviews, blogs and audio clips, visit www.HowieNave.com.
Keepin' it reel
NOW PLAYING: "High School Musical 3: Senior Year"
STARRING: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Bart Johnson, Alyson Reed, Olesya Rulin, Chris Warren Jr., Ryne Sanborn, KayCee Stroh, Matt Prokop, Justin Martin and Jemma McKenzie-Brown DIRECTED BY: Kenny Ortega RATED: G for the whole family RUNNING TIME: A toe-tapping 112 minutes HOWIE GIVES IT: 2 out of 5 bagels |
